James Holland
Contributing since April, 2022
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22articles
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1Features
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12Guides
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9Reviews
About James Holland
James combines his love of music and general tech gadgetry with a passion for writing to not only cover the latest audio equipment but to actually put that English degree to work. From headphones to soundbars and more, he applies his expertise to help guide readers in their online quest for the right piece of tech. When he’s not writing, he’s playing guitar, traveling, or eating. Sometimes, all three at once!
Latest Articles
Best portable Bluetooth speakers in 2024
Enjoy your music anywhere with the best portable Bluetooth speakers
Nothing beats the freedom of wire-free listening, and we here at Android Police are major fans of all things Bluetooth. One of the best ways to enjoy the many music-streaming platforms out there is with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Far more than loud and proud drivers, the best Bluetooth speakers include sweet features like top-shelf weatherproofing, intuitive companion apps for phones or tablets, and even integrated voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.
Best wireless headphones in 2024
Good wireless headphones are an investment — here are all your best options
While wireless earbuds are popular with many folks due to their portability and versatility, wireless on-ear and over-ear headphones are a great choice for more serious listeners. They can offer better comfort and a more immersive listening experience than their in-ear counterparts, while also delivering battery life that can be measured in days.
Soundbars are about as common and sought after as the 4K and 8K TVs they connect to. They’re also one of the best investments you can make for your home theater experience, because nothing says “lackluster” like the measly audio that most TV speakers produce.
Best earbuds for calls in 2024
Choose one of these wireless earbuds for the best call quality
One of the critical features of the best wireless earbuds is the ability to jump on a call regardless of whether you can physically reach your phone. Many also come with active noise cancellation (ANC) so that ambient noise does not distract you from the person you’re talking to when you're on that call. Plus, algorithms are often used on your voice to reduce that ambient noise, so you're also heard clearer.
JBL Authentics 300 portable speaker review: Large sound in a large package
A big way to blast your favorite tunes wherever you go
The JBL Authentics 300 is a hard-to-justify but easy-to-recommend portable speaker. As paradoxical as that sounds, it has some issues that can easily dissuade, namely its weight and price. But, the performance, design, and feature set overcome those shortcomings as long as you can afford it. The JBL Authentics 300 is good enough to receive mention among the best portable Bluetooth speakers. That's especially true if you need something powerful enough for a party. It also does a great job with its Alexa support – good enough to possibly replace your Echo or Echo Dot.
Beats Powerbeats Pro review: Stuck in my head
These earbuds have no problem staying put, but may be a little iOS-centric for most Android fans
The Beats Powerbeats Pro aren’t unique, exactly, but there aren’t a lot of earbuds that can hold on for dear life no matter what. Only a few of the best workout earbuds can. Of course, if you’re just going for a jog, you don’t need those hooks. But, for more extreme sports or activities, they’re more ideal as you’re not going to risk losing an earbud.
JBL Bar 1000 review: Surround sound all around us
With Atmos surround sound and a lot of power, the Bar 1000 brings home theater immersion in soundbar form
There are a lot of soundbars to choose from, and many of them are pretty good. But most of them don't come with the ability to turn into a 7.1.4 system as the JBL Bar 1000 can. Part of its charm is the ability to add both surround sound and Dolby Atmos, aka spatial audio, to the mix at a price that, while high, is appropriate.
Best waterproof headphones and earbuds for swimming in 2024
Enjoy your favorite tunes in the deep end with the best waterproof headphones and earbuds
For those looking for a way to stay motivated and focused while swimming countless laps, picking up a pair of waterproof earbuds is a great idea. However, it's not as simple as picking up any old pair of wireless earbuds; you'll need cans specifically designed for hitting the pool.
Best USB-C charging headphones in 2024
Futureproof your next pair of wireless headphones by getting one with USB-C charging
The best USB-C charging headphones may differ from other wireless headphones or headsets in only one seemingly minor way. However, while USB-C charging capability may not change the sound quality, feel of the headphones, or most of the features included, it is helpful in a few ways. The most important benefit is that USB-C is quickly becoming the universal port of choice for everything from tablets and Chromebooks to just about every wireless peripheral of the last few years.
Best Amazon Alexa-powered speakers in 2024
These smart speakers offer premium sound coupled with the advanced functionality of Amazon's Alexa
The best Amazon Alexa-powered speakers have one thing going for them over models sporting other voice assistants. Unlike Apple's Siri, the two HomePod options, and the only slightly longer list of Google Assistant smart speakers, you have a lot of choices when it comes to Alexa-enabled options. It also helps that there are so many Alexa-enabled non-speaker smart devices to pair with.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs. Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
A new king meets an ANC classic in this generational matchup of Bose wireless headphones
The first thing to understand in a head-to-head Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs. Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 comparison is the four years of separation between the two. This means the consideration between the older Bose Noise Cancelling 700 and the fresh-faced Bose QuietComfort Ultra comes down to whether you want all the latest features and improvements or a tried-and-true classic at a discount.
Best earbuds for Google Pixel 8 Pro in 2024
These are the best earbuds for Google Pixel 8 Pro
If you’ve invested in the Google Pixel 8 Pro, possibly the company’s greatest mobile phone achievement to date, you’ll want a pair of earbuds to make the most of your new purchase. And, since this phone is pricey, we’ve included options for all price ranges, whether you want a pair to match the premium nature of the Pixel 8 Pro or a pair that won’t set your pocketbook back much further.
Best speakers for Chromebooks and Chromeboxes in 2024
Find the best speakers to bring that Chrome-powered computer alive
Whichever Chromebook model you're using, there's one unfortunate trait shared by all of these laptops, and that's unexceptional sound. We’re not pointing fingers at certain brands or peripheral designs because it's tough to rise above the bare minimum when it comes to laptop sound. Then there's the Chromebox, which has no speakers whatsoever.
Anker Soundcore Motion 300 review: A petite portable speaker with big sound
Petite, powerful, and cheap
The Soundcore Motion 300 is the kind of product that makes you question why everything else is so expensive. It’s not audiophile (though it has LDAC support), but it sounds very good, has lots of volume, comes with a robust EQ that adapts depending on its positioning, and does all this for a ridiculous price.
Jabra Elite 10 earbuds review: Comfort is king
These earbuds are great for when comfort is a priority
When it comes to the best wireless earbuds, there’s not one that’s best at everything. Some come closer than others, but one will be best-in-class for sound quality while another for active noise cancellation (ANC), and another for something else. In the case of the Jabra Elite 10 reviewed, it’s comfort. While a little more subjective than ANC so some people might disagree, I consider these earbuds to be among the best fitting and most comfortable earbuds out there.
Anker Soundcore Motion X600 review: A portable Bluetooth boombox
Powerful, portable, affordable... and in boombox form!
While many fine Bluetooth speakers are out there, most are just for personal use. Or, at best, for providing background music for a small gathering. The Soundcore Motion X600 is in the minority of Bluetooth offerings insofar as it has the power to keep the music going for a pool party, backyard BBQ, or a gathering of a similar size.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC review: Punching above their weight
Budget buds that don't sound too cheap
Let’s get straight to the point. If you’re in the market for one of the best cheap true wireless earbuds right now, the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC by Anker should be on your short list. After all, paying less than $100 for a pair of earbuds usually comes with sacrifices, whether that’s having a limited amount of features but great sound or having tons of features with sub-par audio.
Best wireless earbuds for the Samsung Galaxy S22 in 2024
Great phones deserve great earbuds. These are the best earbuds for the Samsung Galaxy S22 series.
Now that you have a Samsung Galaxy S22 phone by your side, you need a pair of earbuds to do them justice, whether you're listening to music or watching the latest on Netflix while on a commute. While they may have been supplanted by the Samsung Galaxy S23 series, the S22 models are still exceptional phones. And as such, they deserve a little respect. That means getting earbuds that are as good as they are.
Apple HomePod Mini review: Monolicious
A mostly fantastic speaker with some serious limitations
When it comes to smart speakers, there are many great options, but for ones that also function as a smart home hub, there are really just two names: Amazon and Apple (though Google is starting to make some noise with their offerings). Amazon seems to have a stranglehold between its full-sized, if somewhat elderly Echo, the newer Echo Dot (5th Gen), the Echo Show, and Echo Studio, along with all the older discounted generations of each model that’s still available.
How do bone conduction headphones work?
Bone conduction headphones work a little differently for when you need a unique solution to your audio needs
As unique as they are niche, bone conduction headphones may seem like gimmicks for the uninitiated, especially considering they rarely sound as good as the best true wireless earbuds on the market. But, they have their particular uses; every model among the best bone conduction headphones are designed to solve a particular problem, whether it's for runners, swimmers, or triathletes. You'll even find models to make life in the office easier.